The Villa Times - 25/04/2008

There will be a minutes silence before the Wigan game as a sign of respect for Villa fan Christopher Priest, who died on Sunday following the awful incident not far from Villa Park after the local derby.

Martin O'Neill has obviously been asked about transfers more times than Mr Ask A Lot About Transfers at Transfersville in Transferland. The latest is he has spoken to Randy Lerner and he is ready to get going. Hopefully this summer REALLY will see the activity we all hoped and prayed for last summer. To be fair he has now had loads of time to settle in, get a feel for what we have, to offload what he doesn't want and assess where we are going. He is certainly no idiot and must know that to push on now, we need players - quality players - and a good number of them. Full quotes: Villa Boss On Signings & Transfer Gossip

The Daily Mirror claim that MON has told Randy that he'll need around £80million in order to challenge Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United next season. £80m, 7-10 players, sounds about right doesn't it?

Martin O'Neill has spoken about John Carew and believes the striker will be at Villa for a good while yet. Having been asked about the players tendency to move about the Villa boss said 'As regards a 'nagging doubt' I just haven't really thought it through. But that doesn't mean to say when he produces performances like that he won't be linked with other clubs or people will say 'he only hangs around two years'. Now I can't deny that because that's been his record but, at this minute, he's enjoying it and he's thriving on it. It's really up to him to keep doing it.' Adding in the Birmingham Mail: 'His superlative performances are getting closer together rather than being spaced out. It is hard to reproduce that level the next week, but you'd like him to be getting seven-and-a-half out of 10 (every game) instead of nine out of 10 and then three out of 10.'

Craig Gardner has spoken about Carew saying: 'John is phenomenal. Even if he doesn't score, he still makes a massive impact on each game. He can hold three players off the ball at once, he is that strong. And he has Ashley and Gabby next to him to run riot with their pace.'

WARNING! Don't throw away your season ticket cards! I've had it confirmed by Nicola Keye, consumer sales manager, that the season ticket cards we've used this year will be re-activated if we renew the same seat next season. So don't, as I would have, throw away the card! If you are moving your seat then a new card has to be sent out, if not keep hold of it for next season!

Today's gossip again links us to Liverpool striker Peter Crouch. Benfica's right-back Nelson is coming according to the Daily Star. Villa and Newcastle apparently both want Steve Sidwell but the Chelsea midfielder is keen to stay at Stamford Bridge and prove his worth.

My aunties neighbours cat was sick the other day. The sick formed into words saying Villa will sign Ronaldo this summer. WHAT? It is as likely as the paper links isn't it? In fact in some cases cat puke is far more reliable than the paper gossip?!

The Gareth Barry talk continues, some say he is 50/50 on going or staying. Time will tell, with the Liverpool boardroom situation looking to be resolved in the coming weeks, there could be more mileage in this.

Dean Saunders has been talking on the official site and says we can beat anyone in our current form. He also stresses that the resurgent Villa Park will be an attraction for top players.The former Villa and Liverpool striker, who became a firm fans favourite (trying saying that after a few sherberts) told the official site: 'I think things are happening here. The nucleus is there. The young players are quick and score goals. Gareth Barry has been superb and if Martin can bring in three or four top class players in the summer then it should be good times ahead.' Full article: Dean Saunders - Villa An Attractive Option

Vital Villa have started the end of season awards. The first one up was best beard of the season award (originally set up 6 seasons ago to ensure that Mellberg won something whilst at Villa). Olof Mellberg won for the 6th season straight. Full details of this most prestigious of awards: Olof Mellberg Clinches Award By A Whisker

Our latest poll asks for your predictions for the crunch game v Everton, then we'll get into the serious business of player of the year etc!

Martin O'Neill says it is getting tougher at the top. In an interview with avtv he said: 'I bumped into David Moyes a few weeks ago at Preston and he told me that 61 points were enough to earn Everton fourth spot in the Premier League - and a Champions League qualifying spot - three seasons ago. The amount of points we have had to secure this season to be in with a chance of European competition has been a tall order. But we are still capable of doing it. I know all the fixtures - I know who Everton, Blackburn, Portsmouth, Manchester City have to play - you name it, I know it. Of course, you tick off what you think will happen in each game but it's doesn't always work that way. Even in the darkest moments against Sunderland, I always thoughts we were in with a chance.' Adding, 'We now go to Goodison Park with everything to play for. Whether we are good enough or lucky enough on the day, unlucky or exceptionally unlucky is in the lap of the gods. But at least we have given ourselves a chance.' Full interview on avtv: Click Here

Thought for the day: He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless DEAD!

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Craig Gardners comments about Big JC are very welcome. Our big centre-forward has been an unsung hero throughout most of the campaign. He even had the indignity of having some fans call for him to be replaced by Crouch no less.

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